What to Expect: Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, after skin cancer. It is estimated that 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. While prostate cancer can be serious, it is often curable if it is found early and treated promptly.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer often does not cause any symptoms in its early stages. As the cancer grows, it can begin to cause symptoms such as:
* Difficulty urinating
* Pain or burning sensation when urinating
* Frequent urination, especially at night
* Weak or interrupted urine stream
* Blood in the urine or semen
* Pain in the lower back, pelvis, or thighs
* Erectile dysfunction
* Unexplained weight loss
* Fatigue
What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
The risk of prostate cancer increases with age. Other risk factors for prostate cancer include:
* Family history of prostate cancer
* African-American race
* Obesity
* High-fat diet
* Smoking
* Diabetes
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
Prostate cancer is diagnosed through a combination of tests, including:
* Digital rectal exam (DRE): During a DRE, the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any abnormalities in the prostate gland.
* Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: A PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a protein that is produced by the prostate gland. An elevated PSA level can be a sign of prostate cancer, but it can also be caused by other conditions, such as prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
* Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS): A TRUS is an ultrasound exam of the prostate gland that is performed through the rectum. A TRUS can help to identify any abnormalities in the prostate gland, such as tumors or cysts.
* Biopsy: A biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose prostate cancer. During a biopsy, the doctor removes a small sample of tissue from the prostate gland and examines it under a microscope.
How is prostate cancer treated?
The treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include:
* Surgery: Surgery to remove the prostate gland (prostatectomy) is the most common treatment for prostate cancer.
* Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to kill cancer cells.
* Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy blocks the production of testosterone, which is a hormone that can help prostate cancer grow.
* Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
* Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy drugs attack specific proteins that are involved in the growth of prostate cancer cells.
What is the prognosis for prostate cancer?
The prognosis for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health. The earlier prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis.
How can I prevent prostate cancer?
There is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:
* Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to reduce your risk of prostate cancer.
* Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor for prostate cancer.
* Get regular exercise: Exercise can help to reduce your risk of prostate cancer.
* Don't smoke: Smoking is a risk factor for prostate cancer.
* See your doctor regularly: Talk to your doctor about your risk of prostate cancer and when you should start getting screened.